Another Baltimore Ravens NFL Draft Prediction

Dec 28, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) runs after a catch during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Cincinnati 39-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

A Baltimore Ravens draft prediction was given on Tuesday by The Baltimore Wire editor Randy Buchman. But what else can we football fans do until the real draft, but predict for ourselves? The Ravens have the 17th pick, which is middle of the pack, but much earlier in the first round than in previous years. So here is another prediction.

There will likely be many trades by the time the Ravens pick. And the Ravens are one of those teams that may very well trade down to get more picks in this deep draft. We will assume for this article that all of those things will not happen. We will also assume the team picks the best available player, NOT the specific needs of the team. That is how they have operated in the past so it is unlikely to change for this year.

These predictions also focus mainly on the defensive side of the ball. That is opposite of many predictions that have the Baltimore Ravens drafting offensive needs such as Wide Receiver. But when does the Ravens do what we think they will do?

Pick 17 – Eric Ebron – If available, the large and rangy Ebron would offer an athletic tight end option along side Pitta and Owen Daniels.

Pick 48 – Jimmie Ward – Ward would make a good partner with Matt Elam and can be the free safety the team needs. Ward also plays the run well.

Pick 79 – Ka’Deem Carey – The Ravens need running back depth. And Carey has been slipping down draft boards so this may be a good value pick from the Ravens.

Pick 99 – Loucheiz Purifoy – This troubled player would give depth at a position where the Ravens need it. He is already used to the speed of SEC football and has played alongside fellow Raven Matt Elam. Elam may also be able to help keep Purifoy out of trouble off the field.

Pick 134 – Anthony Johnson – This quick-footed defensive tackle would fit the speedy and aggressive Ravens defense.

Pick 138 – Aaron Murray – The team is looking for a quarterback for the backup position. Murray is a typical pocket game manager that would be able to keep the offense in sync in case of injury to Joe Flacco. The Baltimore Ravens may also sign a veteran quarterback off of free agency to fight for that backup slot.

Pick 175 – Michael Sam – There is talk that Sam will not be drafted. But some teams will covet his ability to go between defensive end and linebacker. The Ravens are that kind of team, and love to work with a player that can play in multiple spots on the field. The Ravens and their strong locker room, are also the perfect fit for the player who may break new social ground.

Pick 194 – Andre Hal – This pick would be all about depth. He is small, but quick and would need to work his way on to the team via special teams.